2 years ago

Tornadoes could slam into the Carolinas and Mid-Atlantic states today. The National Weather Service is forecasting severe thunderstorms packing hail, damaging winds and tornadoes for that region. Forecasters say the risk of severe weather extends as far south as the Florida Panhandle and as far north as Virginia and West Virginia.

Due to severe weather and flooding in the Panhandle the Governor's events are canceled for today. The State Emergency Operations Center in Tallahassee is activated to Level Two.

Heavy rains and flooding have left people stranded in houses and cars in the Florida Panhandle, the latest area of the country to be pummeled by a dayslong chain of severe weather.

Escambia County spokesman Bill Pearson says rescue crews can't respond to some calls early Wednesday because of road flooding around Pensacola. He says some people have climbed into attics because of rising waters.

The county is moving boats and jet skis from beaches to streets for rescues.

National Weather Service meteorologist Phil Grigsby estimated early Wednesday that 15 to 20 inches of rain had fallen in Pensacola in the past 24 hours, with a few more expected.